Exploring African American History

      February is more than just heart-shaped candy and red balloons. This month is also Black History Month. At Messmer, this February focused on African Americans and their contributions to the medical field. This was expressed through weekly movies, after school panels, a field trip to "Growing Power," a scavenger hunt, and culminated in the annual Black History Assembly. 

      According to Messmer teacher and Black History Month coordinator Mr. Jon Stern, "It is terrible what [African Americans] went through [in history] but amazing that they were still able to contribute to the medical profession."

      The assembly was a combination of poetry, role-plays, and music. Senior Shameka Moore was one of the narrators and the voice of Henrietta Lacks. Lacks' cells were used without her permission for medical research to learn the intricacies of how cells work and test theories about the causes and treatments of diseases. Senior Chantal Atychan, also a narrator, was the voice of Henrietta's daughter, expressing her outrage at this abuse of power.

      The show also featured Spoken Word by Juniors Denzel Taylor and Ashley Jordan, and  Freshman Jasmane Trotter, with powerful messages about the impact of AIDS on the African American community. Freshman Destiney Jones stated about the assembly, "I liked the music and the poems." Senior Marquita Baker added, "The program gave a lot of good information." 

       Sophomore Austin Kenekeo said, "I like that I found out things about Black History that I didn't know before." Junior Jessica Paton Jackson summed up the assembly, "The students came together and made something beautiful." 

 

A video of the assembly will be posted here soon--stay tuned!

Messmer's All Business

      Business Club is an after school activity for students who would like to start a business in the future, learn more about the stock market, and improve on their networking skills. The club engages in field trips such as touring the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago, has guest speakers from the community, and takes part in many business related activities.

      Senior Tia Hazelwood has been part of the club since 9th grade. She said that through the club, "I've become more sociable and dedicated to pursuing my dream of getting a degree in business." Currently the Business Club is working on creating business plans and is competing in a nationwide stock market game. Senior Cierra Childs likes the internship opportunities and acquiring knowledge of the stock market. 

      Recently, the Introduction to Business class participated in the Junior Achievement Business competition at Briggs and Stratton. This is a business simulation game that teaches students many of the skills needed to own and operate a business. The competition challenges students to apply their management skills and knowledge of economics. 

      One team from Messmer consisted of Seniors Cierra Childs and Sabatia McGee, and Sophomore Kaela McBeath. This team placed first in the marketing competition and  received Kohl's gift cards for creating the best advertisement. The other team included Seniors Tiara Allen and Charon Gregory, and Sophomore Puertokae LaGrant. This team placed second in the marketing category.

      The Business Club and Intro to Business classes are under the direction of Messmer Teacher and Computer Department Chair Mr. Chad Hofmann. 

Boy's Basketball 1st Round Regional Victory

3/2/11. The Boy's Varsity Basketball team defeated Shorewood in first round regional action at home last night. The score was 58-48. The team meets Whitefish Bay in the next round this Friday night at 7:00 at Whitefish Bay. GO Bishops!